Starmer hails 'closeness' of UK and Germany

Keir Starmer has hailed the "closeness" of the UK and Germany, as the two nations signed a treaty that is set to free up school exchange visits and passport e-gates.

The Prime Minister and German chancellor Friedrich Merz signed the deal - to be known as the Kensington Treaty - at the V&A Museum on London, as Sir Keir said they will look to "work ever more closely" on issues such as trade, security and defence.

The leaders agreed to "reinforce Euro-Atlantic security" and support their defence forces, in an agreement was also signed by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and his German counterpart Johann Wadephul.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Prime Minister told Mr Merz: "It's a privilege to have you here today, particularly to sign this Kensington Treaty, which is a very special treaty, because it's the first of its kind ever, if you can believe it, between our two countries."

Sir Keir described it as "evidence of the closeness of our relationship as it stands today" as well as a "statement of intent, a statement of our ambition to work ever more closely together".

Deal inked for new rail link

The Government has issued details of the deal agreed with Germany today - which includes a new rail link from London to Berlin

• A new direct rail link between UK and Germany could boost tourism, create jobs and help stimulate economic growth
• A joint taskforce will be established between governments to pave the way for direct services within the next decade

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "We're pioneering a new era of European rail connectivity and are determined to put Britain at the heart of a better-connected continent.

"The Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie - in just a matter of years, rail passengers in the UK could be able to visit these iconic sights direct from the comfort of a train, thanks to a direct connection linking London and Berlin.

"This landmark agreement - part of a new treaty the Prime Minister will sign with Chancellor Merz today - has the potential to fundamentally change how millions of people travel between our two countries, offering a faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying.

"A new task force will bring our nations closer together and create new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange, building on a landmark deal we signed earlier this year to explore introducing direct services to Switzerland.

"The economic potential is enormous. A direct rail link would support the creation of jobs and strengthen the vital trade links that underpin our economic relationship with Germany. British businesses will have better access to European markets, whilst German companies will find it easier to invest and operate in the UK.

"This is central to our Plan for Change - breaking down barriers, thinking boldly about the future, and making long-term decisions that better connect Britain to the world. Working with Germany, we're building bridges between our people and paving the way for a more sustainable, connected future."

Holidaymakers to face shorter queues

Keir Starmer welcomes German Chancellor to Downing Street

Keir Starmer has welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to Downing Street after signing the Kensington Treaty between the UK and Germany.

The Prime Minister said the treaty was an "historic document which really measures just how close our countries are and our ambition for the future".

He said: "I'm really pleased that both our countries' close relationship and your and my strong and close relationship at a time of real volatility in the world is really important to both our countries."

Mr Merz said he had been "surprised" to learn it was the first UK-Germany treaty since the Second World War.

He said: "We had you in the European Union and we thought that was enough, but we are now learning that it's not enough so we have to do more on that."

UK and Germany to explore direct rail line between two nations

The UK and Germany will explore setting up a new direct rail link between the two nations, it has been announced.

An agreement signed by Keir Starmer and Friedrich Merz will set up a joint taskforce to look at the landmark move.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "We're pioneering a new era of European rail connectivity and are determined to put Britain at the heart of a better-connected continent."

She added: "This landmark agreement – part of a new Treaty the Prime Minister will sign with Chancellor Merz today - has the potential to fundamentally change how millions of people travel between our two countries, offering a faster, more convenient and significantly greener alternative to flying.

"A new task force will bring our nations closer together and create new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange, building on a landmark deal we signed earlier this year to explore introducing direct services to Switzerland.

Breakthrough on e-gates as new deal reached

Germany has agreed to allow millions of UK travellersto use e-gates in the future after a new deal was reached between the two nations.

Germany will roll out the first phase of e-gates access for UK travellers by the end of August - starting with frequent travellers such as Brits with family in Germany or who travel regularly for business.

Access for all UK nationals will be possible once Germany has completed technical updates to its entry systems as it introduces the new EU's Entry/Exit System.

EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said: eGates can make the slog of travelling through an airport that bit easier, which is why I have been working with the EU and member states to get more airports opened up to Brits abroad.

“With £30 billion of services trade between the UK and the EU, this agreement isn’t just good for holidaymakers, it's good for British businesses too. Making traveling easier between Europe’s biggest economies, to get deals done and boost growth.”

Starmer faces backlash over suspension of four Labour MPs

The visit comes as Mr Starmer faces a backlash over the decision to suspend four Labour MPs.

This morning minister Jess Phillips defended the decision to suspend the whip from the left-wingers - Neil Duncan-Jordan, Chris Hinchliff, Brian Leishman and Rachael Maskell. Party insiders said they were suspended for breaches of party discipline, and that there would be a further review.

In a separate interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she said: "I am a plain speaker, and I will tell you that I disagree often with directions that are going on. And I spend time working with colleagues, both on the back and front benches, ensuring that we discuss those things.

"I think that constantly taking to the airwaves, and slagging off your own government, I have to say, what did you think was going to happen?"

PM to welcome new German laws targeting people smugglers

Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are set to outline plans to help smash vile people smuggling gangs.

The Prime Minister will welcome Berlin's plans to criminalise facilitating illegal migration to the UK by the end of the year. It will give officials powers to take action against warehouses "used by smugglers to conceal dangerous small boats intended for illegal crossings to the UK", No10 said.

It comes as Mr Starmer welcomes Mr Merz to Downing Street on Thursday on his first official visit to the UK since becoming German Chancellor in May. The duo will also sign a deal to strengthen ties between the two nations.

Mr Starmer said ahead of the visit: "The Treaty we will sign today, the first of its kind, will bring the UK and Germany closer than ever. It not only marks the progress we have already made and the history we share. It is the foundation on which we go further to tackle shared problems and invest in shared strengths.

"Chancellor Merz's commitment to make necessary changes to German law to disrupt the supply lines of the dangerous vessels which carry illegal migrants across the Channel is hugely welcome. As the closest of allies, we will continue to work closely together to deliver on the priorities that Brits and Germans share."